[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1998

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                               speech of

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 1998

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 6) to extend 
     the authorization of programs under the Higher Education Act 
     of 1965, and for other purposes:


  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Chairman, I am worried about education in this 
country. America spends far more on public education than any other 
country in the world, yet our students have fallen far behind those in 
other nations in actual educational achievement. Since 1960, government 
spending on elementary and secondary education has increased nearly 
threefold. However, test scores have plummeted, and the high school 
drop-out rate is higher than ever.
  As a father of seven, grandfather of thirty-four, and former school 
board member, I have a personal interest in seeing that all children 
have equal access to a good education. Mr. Chairman, today we will have 
the opportunity to take a big step forward in this effort.
  The truth is, education is no longer affordable for many families. 
Between 1987 and 1996, the actual cost of educating a student rose 57 
percent while the tuition charge rose even faster, at rate of 132 
percent. H.R. 6 will help make college more affordable by simplifying 
the student aid system, stressing academic quality for students, and 
providing superior training for teachers.
  Mr. Chairman, H.R. 6 brings us closer to our goal of ensuring that 
every student who seeks a quality education will be able to receive it. 
I commend Congressman McKeon and Congressman Goodling for their 
leadership on this most important issue, and I urge my colleagues to 
support the Higher Education Amendments.

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